Yuvuz expects Blacks to
stop Helensburgh’s run

By
MITCH JENNINGS

Halting a Helensburgh side full of NSW and international reps on their charge to a fourth straight title is a daunting task for Port Kembla.

Maddi Studdon

RUGBY LEAGUE - ILLAWARRA WOMEN'S LEAGUE

Halting a Helensburgh side full of NSW and international reps on their charge to a fourth straight title is a daunting task for Port Kembla.

But Blacks forward Semra Yuvuz says all the pressure is on the Tigerlilies in Saturday’s Women in the Army Illawarra League grand final at Dapto Showground.

Helensburgh have not lost a game this year with NSW reps Maddi Studdon, Kezie Apps and Sam Hammond occupying the top three spots on the points-scoring chart and enter the match as overwhelming favourites.

However, Port Kembla have come closest to upsetting Helensburgh’s run, surrendering a convincing lead to lose 36-24 in round seven.

They enter the decider after a 20-12 win over Corrimal in last week’s preliminary final and Yuvuz insists the Tigers are beatable.

‘‘Finals football is always a totally different ball game. At the end of the day no team’s unbeatable,’’ Yuvuz said.

‘‘I think we’ve got a bit of confidence after getting close to them during the year.

‘‘It is going to be a hard game and everyone knows that but if we turn up and play to the best of our ability and play as a team we’re pretty confident we can beat Helensburgh and end their dominance in the women’s competition.’’

Helensburgh captain Hammond said motivation was not an issue for her side.

‘‘This year we got a whole new team, there’s only four players who’ve been there from the start, so we’re hungrier than we’ve ever been.’’